Abstract: In respects of limitations and problems of motor function training devices, the present invention provides a wearable and convertible device and a method for controlling combined motor function training. This device integrates the functions of both passive stretching function in the existing CPM devices and additional active assistive training function. Without a force/torque sensor element in the device, the present passive stretching control can still be adapted to hypertonia (high muscle tone or stiffness of joints) of the limb, and the present active assistive control can still be implemented for enhancing voluntary active movement from patients. With such present method, much more applications of active assistive training are supported at substantially no additional cost. On the other hand, the safety of such stretching devices without using force/torque sensor is improved, which assists in increasing the efficiency of the device of the present invention.

Abstract: There is provided a machine for rehabilitation or exercise, comprising: a frame; a first arm movably secured to the frame via a first actuator; a first force sensor for measuring a force exerted by a user on the first arm; and a control unit adapted for controlling a displacement speed for the first arm via the first actuator as a function of the force and for increasing the displacement speed of the first arm via the first actuator when the force is superior to a target force. In one embodiment, there is further provided an electromyograph for location on the exercised muscle for measuring an electrical potential generated by the muscle and for lowering the target force when the electrical potential is superior to a predetermined maximum electrical potential. There is further provided a method for operating an exercise machine and a system for exercising a muscle.

Abstract: An improved rehabilitation and exercise machine is provided which allows a person with physical limitations, disabilities or chronic conditions to use the machine in order to rehabilitate their muscles, improve joint flexibility, and enhance cardiovascular fitness.

Abstract: A method for controlling an exercise apparatus via a control interface of an exercise apparatus, including steps of controlling a touch screen to display an information field, and then monitoring the touch screen to detect whether a touch has occurred on the surface of the touch screen and whether the touch is located in an input zone which has a plurality of sensing areas in the information field. A user can use one of specific actions, such as drag, to move a first tag in the input zone from a first sensing area to a second sensing area. And one of the steps of the method relocates the first tag proximate to the second sensing area to have a portion of the first tag to point at the second sensing area. Then, the final step of the method operates the exercise apparatus from a first condition using a first value corresponding to the first sensing area to a second condition using a second value corresponding to the second sensing area.

Abstract: A device for use with an exercise apparatus consisting of at least one hanging, length-adjustable and lockable rope (10, 11) which at its lower end has a gripping means (13, 14), e.g., a gripping loop. A vibration means (12; 16) is designed, when attached via a rope engaging member (8, 9) to a portion of such rope, to impart to the rope and thus its gripping means (13, 14) a vibratory motion.

Abstract: An improved rehabilitation and exercise machine is provided which allows a person with physical limitations, disabilities or chronic conditions to use the machine in order to rehabilitate their muscles, improve joint flexibility, and enhance cardiovascular fitness.

Abstract: An intra-repetition exercise system which allows comparison of actual performance of intra-repetition exercise characteristics (2) to pre-established target performance of intra-repetition exercise characteristics (3) by an exerciser (1).

Abstract: An improved rehabilitation and exercise machine is provided which allows a person with physical limitations, disabilities or chronic conditions to use the machine in order to rehabilitate their muscles, improve joint flexibility, and enhance cardiovascular fitness.

Abstract: A device for inducing a user's motion in a rhythm responsive to a motion rhythm after the user's motion rhythm changes suddenly. The walking assist device generates a first oscillator which attains mutual entrainment with a user's hip joint angular velocity to reflect a natural angular velocity. On the other hand, a new natural angular velocity is set based on the phase difference between the hip joint angular velocity and the first oscillator. A second oscillator which oscillates in rhythm reflecting the natural angular velocity is generated. An inducing oscillator is generated based on the second oscillator, and a torque responsive to the inducing oscillator acts on the user's body. If the magnitude of a periodic variation in the hip joint angular velocity exceeds a threshold value, a second oscillator which oscillates in rhythm reflecting the angular velocity of the first oscillator instead of the natural angular velocity is generated.

Abstract: An improved rehabilitation and exercise machine is provided which allows a person with physical limitations, disabilities or chronic conditions to use the machine in order to rehabilitate their muscles, improve joint flexibility, and enhance cardiovascular fitness.

Abstract: There is provided a machine for rehabilitation or exercise, comprising: a frame; a first arm movably secured to the frame via a first actuator; a first force sensor for measuring a force exerted by a user on the first arm; and a control unit adapted for controlling a displacement speed for the first arm via the first actuator as a function of the force and for increasing the displacement speed of the first arm via the first actuator when the force is superior to a target force. In one embodiment, there is further provided an electromyograph for location on the exercised muscle for measuring an electrical potential generated by the muscle and for lowering the target force when the electrical potential is superior to a predetermined maximum electrical potential. There is further provided a method for operating an exercise machine and a system for exercising a muscle.

Abstract: A method for controlling an exercise apparatus via a control interface of an exercise apparatus, including steps of controlling a touch screen to display an information field, and then monitoring the touch screen to detect whether a touch has occurred on the surface of the touch screen and whether the touch is located in an input zone which has a plurality of sensing areas in the information field. A user can use one of specific actions, such as drag, to move a first tag in the input zone from a first sensing area to a second sensing area. And one of the steps of the method relocates the first tag proximate to the second sensing area to have a portion of the first tag to point at the second sensing area. Then, the final step of the method operates the exercise apparatus from a first condition using a first value corresponding to the first sensing area to a second condition using a second value corresponding to the second sensing area.

Abstract: A device for use with an exercise apparatus consisting of at least one hanging, length-adjustable and lockable rope (10, 11) which at its lower end has a gripping means (13, 14), e.g., a gripping loop. A vibration means (12; 16) is designed, when attached via a rope engaging member (8, 9) to a portion of such rope, to impart to the rope and thus its gripping means (13, 14) a vibratory motion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a treadmill with an automatic speed control function, including: a body having a belt for supporting an exerciser; an exerciser detecting portion installed in a predetermined area of the body to detect movement of the exerciser; a driving motor coupled to the body to drive the belt; a control portion for generating a control signal for adjusting a rotation speed of the driving motor based on a signal received from the exerciser detecting portion; and a motor driving portion for adjusting the rotation speed of the driving motor according to the control signal received from the control portion, wherein a provision braking torque provided corresponding to the control signal is varied as the rotation speed of the driving motor is reduced.

Abstract: A system for managing exercise of an animal such as a human being so that the animal can be trained to move with an appropriate scale and rhythm while harmonizing the motion of the animal with the operations of two devices which induce the motion of the animal in different manners, is provided. According to the exercise management system (1) of the present invention, the speed of the walking motion of the user is adjusted by an operation of a treadmill (first motion induction device) (10). The user's walking motion is induced with the motion scale being adjusted with a rhythm harmonized with the motion rhythm of the animal by an operation of a walking motion induction device (second motion induction device) (20). At this time, the operation of the walking motion induction device (20) is controlled based on the walking speed v (walking rate p, as required).

Abstract: Isokinetic rehabilitation apparatus including a motor-driven pedal assembly having associated therewith a pair of foot pedals and at least one hand engagement element and a computerized motor controller operative to drive the motor-driven pedal assembly at a generally constant, selectable speed, generally irrespective of the extent to which forces are applied to the pedal assembly.

Abstract: The present invention offers a heart pulse detector. Two pairs of contact electrodes mounted on each handrail of treadmill separately. A electrocardiography heart pulse detector built in the control panel of the treadmill has input terminal which electrically connected to the contact electrodes. A front end circuit within the heart pulse detector receives the electrical cardio signals of a user from the input terminal and preprocesses the electrical cardio signals for later processing by the reminder functional blocks of the heart pulse detector. A hand touching detection circuit assembly in the heart pulse detector is also connected to the input terminal. The hand touching detection circuit sense the signals from the input terminal and send out hand on/off data for using to control the speed of the treadmill and to control the operation of the heart pulse detection.

Abstract: A system for managing exercise of an animal such as a human being so that the animal can be trained to move with an appropriate scale and rhythm while harmonizing the motion of the animal with the operations of two devices which induce the motion of the animal in different manners, is provided. According to the exercise management system (1) of the present invention, the speed of the walking motion of the user is adjusted by an operation of a treadmill (first motion induction device) (10). The user's walking motion is induced with the motion scale being adjusted with a rhythm harmonized with the motion rhythm of the animal by an operation of a walking motion induction device (second motion induction device) (20). At this time, the operation of the walking motion induction device (20) is controlled based on the walking speed v (walking rate p, as required).

Abstract: A method to control the velocity of a treadmill according to the walking velocity of the person that is using the treadmill. A reaction force is measured, which occurs when a longitudinal repulsion force is created between the treadmill (2) and the person (1). A signal representation for said reaction force is transmitted to a control unit. The control unit is used to control the velocity of the treadmill.

Abstract: A climbing wall includes a frame with a guiding channel. A plurality of panels slide in the guiding channel and present a climbing surface with protrusions for climbing. The frame includes a section where the plurality of panels pivot out of the guiding channel when loaded with a climber's weight. An actuator is engaged by torque generated when one of the plurality of panels pivots out of the guiding channel. A braking mechanism is coupled to the actuator. The braking mechanism applies an arresting force to the plurality of panels when the actuator is engaged.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing an exercise features a platform configured to support a person performing the exercise and to move with a wave-like motion. The platform may be configured to move with two simultaneous wave-like motions in two degrees of freedom selected from pitch, roll and yaw to render the motion more difficult for the person to predict. The wave-like motion causes the person to utilize his or her sense of balance and to exercise related muscles and groups of muscles.

Abstract: Isokinetic rehabilitation apparatus including a motor-driven pedal assembly having associated therewith a pair of foot pedals and at least one hand engagement element and a computerized motor controller operative to drive the motor-driven pedal assembly at a generally constant, selectable speed, generally irrespective of the extent to which forces are applied to the pedal assembly.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a device for monitoring a movement of a user includes a sensor module, a processor, and a feedback module. The sensor module is capable of generating positional information describing a movement of a user. The processor is capable of determining based on the positional information that the user has performed a predetermined movement. The feedback module is capable of generating sensory feedback in response to determining that the user has performed the predetermined movement.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic speed control apparatus for a treadmill and the control method including a deck, a track belt of endlessly rotating on the upper and the bottom face of the deck, and a driving unit for driving unit for driving the track belt comprising: at least one front load sensor located in the front part of the track belt for measuring load from a user on the track belt; at least one rear load sensor located in the rear part of the track belt for measuring load from the user on the track belt, wherein the proceeding speed of the track belt is controlled based on the user's location or movement on the track belt by comparing the measured values from the front load sensor and the rear load sensor and catching the user's location based on the comparison therebetween, whereby the proceeding speed can be automatically controlled corresponding with the user's running speed without the user's direct operation.

Abstract: An intra-repetition exercise system which allows comparison of actual performance of intra-repetition exercise characteristics (2) to pre-established target performance of intra-repetition exercise characteristics (3) by an exerciser (1).

Abstract: A device for use with an exercise apparatus consisting of at least one hanging, length-adjustable and lockable rope (10, 11) which at its lower end has a gripping means (13, 14), e.g., a gripping loop. A vibration means (12; 16) is designed, when attached via a rope engaging member (8, 9) to a portion of such rope, to impart to the rope and thus its gripping means (13, 14) a vibratory motion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an auto-control system of an electric treadmill, which includes at least a speed control unit, a slope control unit and a calorific capacity setting unit. After the value of calorific capacity setting unit is set, the speed control unit and slope control unit allow for automatic matching of an operational value according to the set-value. When either the speed control unit or slope control unit is activated with varying values, the other one will be automatically adjusted. A predefined value of energy consumption through the calorific capacity setting unit can be set, while the control system enables automatic matching of the speed and slope, so that the user achieves the preset energy consumption within a preset period of time. Moreover, if either speed or slope is manually adjusted, the other option will be automatically adjusted to maintain the preset value of energy consumption.

Abstract: A system and method of hierarchical monitoring for subordinate assessment is described. Generally, the system receives remotely sensed data about a user's physiology and contextual state, and extracts features that are related to the workload currently being experienced by a single subordinate and/or group of subordinates. The system builds workload indices based on levels of these features. The system uses statistical process control techniques in conjunction with the workload indices to identify suboptimal user states. Information regarding a particular subordinate or the group of subordinates may be presented in a variety of different ways. As a result, a superior can easily determine the condition of the one or more subordinates and make task adjustments to influence workload levels.

Abstract: A waist exercising device has a housing case holding a transmission motor that drives a gear box via a decelerating machine. The gear box is connected with a shaft that leads a guiding portion to perform a circular motion. The user's waist is then guided to perform a swaying motion.

Abstract: Portable devices and methods for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by assuring that the ankle is flexed and extended sufficiently to promote blood flow in the lower leg are disclosed. The device includes an actuator with a free movement mode that allows a patient to move freely between activations or to initiate movement to delay a next automatic activation.

Abstract: A method (10) and system (50 or 200) for music selection based on pace can include tracking (12) a pace as used on an exercise equipment device (61), receiving (14) a pace value representative of the pace via a short range wireless transmission at an audio output device (51), searching (16) a media library within the audio output device for a media file with a pace closest to the pace value received, and presenting(18) a media file having the pace closest to the pace value received. The method can further optionally include t automatically playing (20) the media file if the pace closest to the pace value received is an exact match and adjusting (22) to the pace value the pace of a song when the song is within a user settable range or percentage of the pace value.

Abstract: An apparatus for rehabilitation, comprising, an elongate object adapted to be hand-held and manipulated using fingers and be used in a task; and a fine motion mechanism coupled to said object and adapted to apply force to said object, sufficient to at least move said object.

Abstract: A walking sensor is attached to a shoe of the user and cooperates with an input device including a detection section detecting a movement of a user's leg, a signal conversion section converting a detection result of the detection section into a control signal, and an output section outputting the control signal to an external device.

Abstract: A treadmill includes a treadbelt disposed in a deck, a motor coupled to drive the treadbelt, an incline controller to selectively adjust the deck to different inclinations, a driver coupled to a microprocessor unit and the motor and the incline controller, to control the motor and the incline controller to adjust the treadbelt to different driving speeds and to adjust the deck to different inclinations. A sensor is coupled to the microprocessor unit, to detect rotational speed of the treadbelt. The driver actuates the motor to increase or to decrease the driving speed of the treadbelt when detected driving speed of the treadbelt is greater or lower than the predetermined average speed of the treadbelt.

Abstract: The present invention is for arousing a sense of rivalry to the user so that the user can exhibit an active will to exercise.

Abstract: A device for inducing a cycling motion in patients who have little or no motor control of their legs. The device has bicycle-type pedals connected via a belt or chain drive to a motor with a speed control allowing a very low rate of rotation from 0.1 cycles per second up to about 1.0 cycles per second. The device includes straps for wheelchair wheels for locking a wheelchair in position such that the patient's feet may be strapped onto the pedals. The diameter of rotation of the pedals is adjustable to accommodate different leg lengths and to allow various diameters of rotation of the pedals. The motor is housed within a console with medial and lateral supports so that the legs of the patient are maintained in alignment.

Abstract: An exercise assisting meter that enables the user to enjoy physical exercises and to perform a proper long-term management of exercises by enumerating the amount of repetitive exercises of the user and displaying the result of assessment on the exercises with an image information (character) of virtual organism representing different assessment grades. This meter manages the days of practice from the start of an exercise and makes the character evolve or grow as the days go on. Further, it increases or decreases a life-gauge for managing the healthy state of a character according to daily target achievement existence, and changes the figure (shape of body) of the character to a healthy, obese or sick form according to the life-gauge. Further, it includes a wellness meter for managing the wellness of the character according to the rate of target achievement on the previous day, and changes the expression and action of the character according to the wellness meter.

Abstract: An apparatus for sports training allows an athlete to move an exercise bar freely in two dimensions by connecting the bar between congruent pantograph trusses. The resistance offered to the movements of the user is programmable and may be varied according to predetermined parameters and also as a predetermined function of measured parameters. The apparatus further incorporates means to record the parameters of the exercise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treadmill whose speed is controlled by music. An audiosource is installed on the console of the treadmill. The music outputted by the audiosource passes through an amplifier and a band-pass filter takes out the frequency wave at certain range from the music, thereby avoiding unnecessary interference. Besides, a microprocessor is used to enable the driving motor of the walking belt to continuously change its speed according to the music rhythm and intensity. Moreover, the operator of the treadmill adjusts his walking speed to the music rhythm so that the speeds of the music, the motor and the operator are integrated into one speed, thereby enhancing the exercising fun without feeling tired. Furthermore, the operator can move in accordance with the music rhythm, thereby reaching the body shaping effect.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a movement device, which makes possible an improved conclusion concerning the cooperation of a person with impaired mobility during training. In a first solution, “active phases”, related to a side, represent a quantity, which corresponds to the time, to the path or to the angle of the active phases traversed. In a second solution, this procedure is related to the actuating elements, considered as a unit. In further parallel solutions, an evaluation takes place with regard to a first quantity, which represents the active phases, and a second quantity, which expresses the passive phases, and moreover for side-related and integral training, that is, training, in which the actuating elements are considered in totality.

Abstract: A gas analysis apparatus, and a method for calibrating it and for compensating measurement errors, are disclosed. This method and apparatus are particularly suited for use during a cardipulmonary exercise test by a test subject. The oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations of the subject's breath are measured, and errors are compensated based on the results of previous calibration. These compensated measurements, as well as other physiological data monitored during the cardiopulmonary exercise test quantities calculated from these measurements, are presented as a series of graphs in a logical order to enhance their diagnostic and prognostic value. A facemask and headstraps are adapted for use with the gas analysis apparatus. The facemask possesses a plurality of pins fitting into corresponding holes in the headstraps, and the headstraps possess quick-release attachment means to provide for quickly securing the face mask to or removing it from a subject.

Abstract: An electronic jump rope that generates beat tracks or sound segments in response to user actuation of switches is disclosed. In one embodiment, the electronic jump rope is provided with a first handle (12), a second handle (14) and a flexible element (16) connected between the first and second handles (12, 14). One of said first and second handles (12, 14) having a first switch (22), a second switch (20), a speaker (50) and a sound generator (90) disposed therein. The sound generator (90) includes a memory (108, 110), a processor (106) and an input/output circuit (106) and is operatively coupled to said first and second switches (20, 22) and said speaker (50), said sound generator (90) being programmed to cause said speaker (50) to play a beat track when said second switch (20) is actuated and programmed to cause said speaker (50) to play a sound segment when said first switch (22) is actuated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for providing exercise devices with motivational programming. The present invention is particularly well suited to exercise devices that utilize one or more motors and/or other electrically driven actuators to control one or more operating parameters of the exercise device. The present invention contemplates the use of programming that includes motivational content and one or more control signals, synchronized with the motivational content, for controlling operation of the exercise device. The motivational content preferably includes audio and/or video designed to simulate a group exercise setting. In addition, the motivational content can include instructional and educational content for the benefit of the user. The programming can be live or prerecorded and can be broadcast over available broadcast channels, cable, satellite, the internet or anything suitable for transmitting audio and/or video signals.

Abstract: An exercise machine including a base on which a box body is mounted. The box body is provided with two locating spring pieces which are fastened with an upper locating block. The box body is further provided to a lower locating block. The upper locating block and the lower locating block are provided with a V-shaped slot. A seat rod and a pedal rod are fastened with a braking block which is provided to two tangent surfaces which are engaged with the V-shaped slots of the upper locating block and the lower locating block. The seat rod is provided with a seat pad fastened thereto. The pedal rod is provided with two pedals fastened pivotally thereto.

Abstract: This invention describes an exercise machine which is operated in a manner similar to paddling a Kayak or other water craft with a double blade paddle. The device incorporates a "T" bar shaped handle assembly centrally positioned in front of a seated operator and connected at its base with an articulating joint to a torque resisting mechanism. The articulating joint allows the operator to manipulates the handle bar in a pattern similar to that of paddling a Kayak as this configuration allows the handle bar to pivot and be positioned from side to side with a similar freedom of movement experienced with a Kayak type double blade paddle. Only the rotational component of the handle bar movement induced by paddle stroke motions are transmitted through the articulating joint and resisted by the torque resistance mechanism.

Abstract: A strength and exercise apparatus that provides an opposing resistive force which in its total will always only equal the potential and varying exerted force created by the user. The apparatus will also have the ability to create an exerted force which in its total will always only equal the potential and varying resistive force provided by the user.

Abstract: A runaway protection mechanism is provided which is truly nondestructive in nature and which is highly advantageous for an electric motor used in, for example, an exercise treadmill for driving its moving treadmill belt. In use, the electric motor is connected to an electric power source, such as an alternating-current wall outlet. The runaway protection mechanism includes a disconnect mechanism for disconnecting the motor from the electric power source and thereby deenergizing the motor. The runaway protection mechanism further includes a safety mechanism for comparing the actual motor speed with a desired motor speed and activating the disconnect mechanism when the actual speed exceeds the desired speed by a predetermined amount. In this manner, an orderly and nondestructive shutdown of the motor is accomplished when a fault condition is recognized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining the heart rate of a user of a fitness apparatus at a scheduled target rate by varying the resistance of a first resistance mechanism with respect to a second resistance mechanism. To increase the heart rate, the resistance of the first resistance mechanism is increased to a maximum level before an adjustment is made to the second resistance mechanism. To decrease the heart rate, the resistance of the second resistance mechanism is decreased to a minimum level before an adjustment is made to the first resistance mechanism. The invention may be incorporated into a treadmill having resistance mechanisms including a mechanism to vary the speed of the treadmill belt and a mechanism to vary the grade of the treadmill.

Abstract: An exercise machine having a user interface engaged by a user to perform exercises using the exercise machine is disclosed in which an electric, direct current (DC), servo control motor is used as the force producing element to which the user interface is mechanically connected and in which a digital data processor, operatively connected to the electric motor, is used for monitoring the position and direction of movement of the linkage relative to the electric DC servo motor and for controlling the electric DC servo motor to operate as one of a generator or a motor depending upon the determined position and direction of movement of the linkage is disclosed. The force exerted by the electric motor, whether it is operating as a motor or a generator, is dependant upon the position and direction of movement of the mechanical linkage as well as upon the force exerted by the user on the mechanical linkage, and other parameters, depending upon which one of three modes of operation is selected.

Abstract: A gas analysis apparatus, and a method for calibrating it and for compensating measurement errors, are disclosed. This method and apparatus are particularly suited for use during a cardiopulmonary exercise test by a test subject. The oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations of the subject's breath are measured, and errors are compensated based on the results of previous calibration. These compensated measurements, as well as other physiological data monitored during the cardiopulmonary exercise test quantities calculated from these measurements, are presented as a series of graphs in a logical order to enhance their diagnostic and prognostic value. A facemask and headstraps are adapted for use with the gas analysis apparatus. The facemask possesses a plurality of pins fitting into corresponding holes in the headstraps, and the headstraps possess quick-release attachment means to provide for quickly securing the face mask to or removing it from a subject.